Living a Spiritual Life4 The Soul

Rodney H Clarken

Copyright copy 2011

Module Objective

To begin to appreciate and understand the soul how spirituality is related to the soul and how we can use the spiritual qualities of the soul to live a better life

copy Rodney H Clarken 25152011

Write brief answers to these questions

1 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

2 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

Save your answers to compare to the following slides

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 3

Some of the faculties that Bahaacuteullaacuteh mentioned as capacities of the soul are

1 the mind which represents the capacity for rational thought and intellectual investigation

2 the will which represents the capacity for self- initiated action and

3 the heart or the capacity for conscious deliberate self-sacrificing love (sometimes called altruism)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 4

Module Objective

To begin to appreciate and understand the soul how spirituality is related to the soul and how we can use the spiritual qualities of the soul to live a better life

copy Rodney H Clarken 25152011

Write brief answers to these questions

1 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

2 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

Save your answers to compare to the following slides

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 3

Some of the faculties that Bahaacuteullaacuteh mentioned as capacities of the soul are

1 the mind which represents the capacity for rational thought and intellectual investigation

2 the will which represents the capacity for self- initiated action and

3 the heart or the capacity for conscious deliberate self-sacrificing love (sometimes called altruism)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 4

Write brief answers to these questions

1 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

2 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

Save your answers to compare to the following slides

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 3

Some of the faculties that Bahaacuteullaacuteh mentioned as capacities of the soul are

1 the mind which represents the capacity for rational thought and intellectual investigation

2 the will which represents the capacity for self- initiated action and

3 the heart or the capacity for conscious deliberate self-sacrificing love (sometimes called altruism)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 4

Some of the faculties that Bahaacuteullaacuteh mentioned as capacities of the soul are

1 the mind which represents the capacity for rational thought and intellectual investigation

2 the will which represents the capacity for self- initiated action and

3 the heart or the capacity for conscious deliberate self-sacrificing love (sometimes called altruism)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 4

What are the 3 faculties of the soul from the above definition

123

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 5

Answers What are the faculties of the soul

1 Mind2 Will 3 Heart

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 6

Reflect and share with others How might the faculties of the soul be used

to develop a more spiritual life Note There are many ways to answer this

question What is important here is that you take some time to think about it Answers to this question will be found throughout the course We will be using the faculties of our souls to develop spirituality

copy Rodney H Clarken 75152011

Some clues on how the faculties of the soul relate to spirituality(Mind) Thought Knowing

Thinking Truth Head(Will) Volition WillingIntending Justice Gut(Heart) Emotion Loving

Feeling Unity Heartcopy Rodney H Clarken5152011 8

Using the above faculties and concepts write a short statement

on how to develop the soul1

Share that statement with the class online or with someone else

copy Rodney H Clarken 95152011

The assignments in this course are designed to develop the soulMind read and studyWill set goals and practice Heart meditate and reflectMeditate (cleanse and inspire the heart)

study (acquire new knowledge) and will (set goals) for processing (meditate study reflect) and taking action (practice)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 10

What is a Bahaacuteiacute definition of soul

The Bahaacuteiacute Faith affirms that the soul is a sign of God a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men had failed to grasp and whose mystery no mind however acute can ever hope to unravel[21] Bahaacuteullaacuteh stated that the soul not only continues to live after the physical death of the human body but is in fact immortal[22]

copy Rodney H Clarken 115152011

Answers What are the faculties of the soul

1 Mind2 Will 3 Heart

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 6

Reflect and share with others How might the faculties of the soul be used

to develop a more spiritual life Note There are many ways to answer this

question What is important here is that you take some time to think about it Answers to this question will be found throughout the course We will be using the faculties of our souls to develop spirituality

copy Rodney H Clarken 75152011

Some clues on how the faculties of the soul relate to spirituality(Mind) Thought Knowing

Thinking Truth Head(Will) Volition WillingIntending Justice Gut(Heart) Emotion Loving

Feeling Unity Heartcopy Rodney H Clarken5152011 8

Using the above faculties and concepts write a short statement

on how to develop the soul1

Share that statement with the class online or with someone else

copy Rodney H Clarken 95152011

The assignments in this course are designed to develop the soulMind read and studyWill set goals and practice Heart meditate and reflectMeditate (cleanse and inspire the heart)

study (acquire new knowledge) and will (set goals) for processing (meditate study reflect) and taking action (practice)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 10

What is a Bahaacuteiacute definition of soul

The Bahaacuteiacute Faith affirms that the soul is a sign of God a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men had failed to grasp and whose mystery no mind however acute can ever hope to unravel[21] Bahaacuteullaacuteh stated that the soul not only continues to live after the physical death of the human body but is in fact immortal[22]

copy Rodney H Clarken 115152011

Reflect and share with others How might the faculties of the soul be used

to develop a more spiritual life Note There are many ways to answer this

question What is important here is that you take some time to think about it Answers to this question will be found throughout the course We will be using the faculties of our souls to develop spirituality

copy Rodney H Clarken 75152011

Some clues on how the faculties of the soul relate to spirituality(Mind) Thought Knowing

Thinking Truth Head(Will) Volition WillingIntending Justice Gut(Heart) Emotion Loving

Feeling Unity Heartcopy Rodney H Clarken5152011 8

Using the above faculties and concepts write a short statement

on how to develop the soul1

Share that statement with the class online or with someone else

copy Rodney H Clarken 95152011

The assignments in this course are designed to develop the soulMind read and studyWill set goals and practice Heart meditate and reflectMeditate (cleanse and inspire the heart)

study (acquire new knowledge) and will (set goals) for processing (meditate study reflect) and taking action (practice)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 10

What is a Bahaacuteiacute definition of soul

The Bahaacuteiacute Faith affirms that the soul is a sign of God a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men had failed to grasp and whose mystery no mind however acute can ever hope to unravel[21] Bahaacuteullaacuteh stated that the soul not only continues to live after the physical death of the human body but is in fact immortal[22]

copy Rodney H Clarken 115152011

Some clues on how the faculties of the soul relate to spirituality(Mind) Thought Knowing

Thinking Truth Head(Will) Volition WillingIntending Justice Gut(Heart) Emotion Loving

Feeling Unity Heartcopy Rodney H Clarken5152011 8

Using the above faculties and concepts write a short statement

on how to develop the soul1

Share that statement with the class online or with someone else

copy Rodney H Clarken 95152011

The assignments in this course are designed to develop the soulMind read and studyWill set goals and practice Heart meditate and reflectMeditate (cleanse and inspire the heart)

study (acquire new knowledge) and will (set goals) for processing (meditate study reflect) and taking action (practice)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 10

What is a Bahaacuteiacute definition of soul

The Bahaacuteiacute Faith affirms that the soul is a sign of God a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men had failed to grasp and whose mystery no mind however acute can ever hope to unravel[21] Bahaacuteullaacuteh stated that the soul not only continues to live after the physical death of the human body but is in fact immortal[22]

copy Rodney H Clarken 115152011

Using the above faculties and concepts write a short statement

on how to develop the soul1

Share that statement with the class online or with someone else

copy Rodney H Clarken 95152011

The assignments in this course are designed to develop the soulMind read and studyWill set goals and practice Heart meditate and reflectMeditate (cleanse and inspire the heart)

study (acquire new knowledge) and will (set goals) for processing (meditate study reflect) and taking action (practice)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 10

What is a Bahaacuteiacute definition of soul

The Bahaacuteiacute Faith affirms that the soul is a sign of God a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men had failed to grasp and whose mystery no mind however acute can ever hope to unravel[21] Bahaacuteullaacuteh stated that the soul not only continues to live after the physical death of the human body but is in fact immortal[22]

copy Rodney H Clarken 115152011

The assignments in this course are designed to develop the soulMind read and studyWill set goals and practice Heart meditate and reflectMeditate (cleanse and inspire the heart)

study (acquire new knowledge) and will (set goals) for processing (meditate study reflect) and taking action (practice)

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 10

What is a Bahaacuteiacute definition of soul

The Bahaacuteiacute Faith affirms that the soul is a sign of God a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men had failed to grasp and whose mystery no mind however acute can ever hope to unravel[21] Bahaacuteullaacuteh stated that the soul not only continues to live after the physical death of the human body but is in fact immortal[22]

copy Rodney H Clarken 115152011

What is a Bahaacuteiacute definition of soul

The Bahaacuteiacute Faith affirms that the soul is a sign of God a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men had failed to grasp and whose mystery no mind however acute can ever hope to unravel[21] Bahaacuteullaacuteh stated that the soul not only continues to live after the physical death of the human body but is in fact immortal[22]

copy Rodney H Clarken 115152011

Heaven can be seen partly as the souls state of nearness

to God and hell as a state of remoteness from God Each state follows as a natural consequence of individual efforts or the lack thereof to develop spiritually[23]

Bahaacuteullaacuteh taught that individuals have no existence prior to their life here on earth and the souls evolution is always towards God and away from the material world[23]

(httpenwikipediaorgwikiSoulcite_ref-20 )copy Rodney H Clarken 125152011

How shall he obtain these merciful gifts and powers

First through the knowledge of God Second through the love of God Third through faith Fourth through philanthropic deeds Fifth through self-sacrifice Sixth through severance from this world Seventh through sanctity and holiness (Abdul-Baha Promulgation of Universal Peace 226 )

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List 7 spiritual powers for developing the soul

1234567

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7 things for spirituality and soul development

1 knowledge of God 2 the love of God 3 faith 4 philanthropic deeds 5 self-sacrifice 6 severance from this world 7 sanctity and holiness

copy Rodney H Clarken 155152011

How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul

1

copy Rodney H Clarken 165152011

How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul

1 knowledge of God mind (knowing)2 the love of God heart (loving)3 faith heart-mind-will4 philanthropic deeds heart-mind-will5 self-sacrifice heart-mind-will6 severance from world heart-mind-will7 sanctity and holiness heart-mind-will

copy Rodney H Clarken 175152011

What is the relationship of soul and body

The soul lives on when the body dies and is our true identity and reality The body is like a horse and the soul is like

the rider The body (horse) should be cared for as it is a vehicle for the soul (rider) but it can not bring us true happiness

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 18

Other metaphors of soul and body

ldquoThe soul of man is the sun by which his body is illumined and from which it draweth its sustenance and should be so regardedrdquo (Gleanings from Writings of Baharsquoursquollah p 155)

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 19

What is the relationship of soul and mind

ldquoThe temple of man is like unto a mirror his soul is as the sun and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of lightrdquo (Abdursquol-Baha Tablet to August Forel p 24)

copy Rodney H Clarken 205152011

Compare your answers to these question to those given at the

beginning of this module1 Define spiritual

2 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

3 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 21

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

7 things for spirituality and soul development

1 knowledge of God 2 the love of God 3 faith 4 philanthropic deeds 5 self-sacrifice 6 severance from this world 7 sanctity and holiness

copy Rodney H Clarken 155152011

How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul

1

copy Rodney H Clarken 165152011

How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul

1 knowledge of God mind (knowing)2 the love of God heart (loving)3 faith heart-mind-will4 philanthropic deeds heart-mind-will5 self-sacrifice heart-mind-will6 severance from world heart-mind-will7 sanctity and holiness heart-mind-will

copy Rodney H Clarken 175152011

What is the relationship of soul and body

The soul lives on when the body dies and is our true identity and reality The body is like a horse and the soul is like

the rider The body (horse) should be cared for as it is a vehicle for the soul (rider) but it can not bring us true happiness

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 18

Other metaphors of soul and body

ldquoThe soul of man is the sun by which his body is illumined and from which it draweth its sustenance and should be so regardedrdquo (Gleanings from Writings of Baharsquoursquollah p 155)

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 19

What is the relationship of soul and mind

ldquoThe temple of man is like unto a mirror his soul is as the sun and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of lightrdquo (Abdursquol-Baha Tablet to August Forel p 24)

copy Rodney H Clarken 205152011

Compare your answers to these question to those given at the

beginning of this module1 Define spiritual

2 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

3 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 21

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul

1

copy Rodney H Clarken 165152011

How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul

1 knowledge of God mind (knowing)2 the love of God heart (loving)3 faith heart-mind-will4 philanthropic deeds heart-mind-will5 self-sacrifice heart-mind-will6 severance from world heart-mind-will7 sanctity and holiness heart-mind-will

copy Rodney H Clarken 175152011

What is the relationship of soul and body

The soul lives on when the body dies and is our true identity and reality The body is like a horse and the soul is like

the rider The body (horse) should be cared for as it is a vehicle for the soul (rider) but it can not bring us true happiness

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 18

Other metaphors of soul and body

ldquoThe soul of man is the sun by which his body is illumined and from which it draweth its sustenance and should be so regardedrdquo (Gleanings from Writings of Baharsquoursquollah p 155)

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 19

What is the relationship of soul and mind

ldquoThe temple of man is like unto a mirror his soul is as the sun and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of lightrdquo (Abdursquol-Baha Tablet to August Forel p 24)

copy Rodney H Clarken 205152011

Compare your answers to these question to those given at the

beginning of this module1 Define spiritual

2 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

3 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 21

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul

1 knowledge of God mind (knowing)2 the love of God heart (loving)3 faith heart-mind-will4 philanthropic deeds heart-mind-will5 self-sacrifice heart-mind-will6 severance from world heart-mind-will7 sanctity and holiness heart-mind-will

copy Rodney H Clarken 175152011

What is the relationship of soul and body

The soul lives on when the body dies and is our true identity and reality The body is like a horse and the soul is like

the rider The body (horse) should be cared for as it is a vehicle for the soul (rider) but it can not bring us true happiness

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 18

Other metaphors of soul and body

ldquoThe soul of man is the sun by which his body is illumined and from which it draweth its sustenance and should be so regardedrdquo (Gleanings from Writings of Baharsquoursquollah p 155)

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 19

What is the relationship of soul and mind

ldquoThe temple of man is like unto a mirror his soul is as the sun and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of lightrdquo (Abdursquol-Baha Tablet to August Forel p 24)

copy Rodney H Clarken 205152011

Compare your answers to these question to those given at the

beginning of this module1 Define spiritual

2 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

3 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 21

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

What is the relationship of soul and body

The soul lives on when the body dies and is our true identity and reality The body is like a horse and the soul is like

the rider The body (horse) should be cared for as it is a vehicle for the soul (rider) but it can not bring us true happiness

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 18

Other metaphors of soul and body

ldquoThe soul of man is the sun by which his body is illumined and from which it draweth its sustenance and should be so regardedrdquo (Gleanings from Writings of Baharsquoursquollah p 155)

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 19

What is the relationship of soul and mind

ldquoThe temple of man is like unto a mirror his soul is as the sun and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of lightrdquo (Abdursquol-Baha Tablet to August Forel p 24)

copy Rodney H Clarken 205152011

Compare your answers to these question to those given at the

beginning of this module1 Define spiritual

2 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

3 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 21

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

Other metaphors of soul and body

ldquoThe soul of man is the sun by which his body is illumined and from which it draweth its sustenance and should be so regardedrdquo (Gleanings from Writings of Baharsquoursquollah p 155)

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 19

What is the relationship of soul and mind

ldquoThe temple of man is like unto a mirror his soul is as the sun and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of lightrdquo (Abdursquol-Baha Tablet to August Forel p 24)

copy Rodney H Clarken 205152011

Compare your answers to these question to those given at the

beginning of this module1 Define spiritual

2 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

3 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 21

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

What is the relationship of soul and mind

ldquoThe temple of man is like unto a mirror his soul is as the sun and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of lightrdquo (Abdursquol-Baha Tablet to August Forel p 24)

copy Rodney H Clarken 205152011

Compare your answers to these question to those given at the

beginning of this module1 Define spiritual

2 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

3 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 21

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

Compare your answers to these question to those given at the

beginning of this module1 Define spiritual

2 How is the soul related to spirituality To the body To the mind

3 How can we develop our souls to be healthier and happier

copy Rodney H Clarken5152011 21

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

Assignment Read

To read more short articles on the Bahai concept of soul go to

1 The Soul1 httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-5-1html

2 Life Death and the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-0-5html

3 Abdul-Bahaacute on the Journey of the Soul httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-4-6-1html

copy Rodney H Clarken 225152011

Assignment Read

To learn different ideas about the soul read httpenwikipediaorgwikiSoul Or do a search online

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 23

Assignment ReadStudy

Read William S Hatcherrsquos The Concept of Spirituality II The Process of Spiritual Growth 4 Knowledge Love and Will (951-54) to get more and deeper background information for this and the next module

copy Rodney H Clarken 245152011

Assignment Meditate

Contemplate or meditate on selections from the Writings of Baharsquoursquollah on ldquoThe Human Soulrdquo at httpinfobahaiorgarticle-1-3-2-25html

5152011 copy Rodney H Clarken 25

You may proceed to the next module

5 Overcoming Ego and Becoming Your True Self

copy Rodney H Clarken 265152011

• Living a Spiritual Life4 The Soul
• Module Objective
• Write brief answers to these questions
• Some of the faculties that Bahaacuteullaacuteh mentioned as capacities of the soul are
• What are the 3 faculties of the soul from the above definition
• Answers What are the faculties of the soul
• Reflect and share with others
• Some clues on how the faculties of the soul relate to spirituality
• Using the above faculties and concepts write a short statement on how to develop the soul
• The assignments in this course are designed to develop the soul
• What is a Bahaacuteiacute definition of soul
• Heaven can be seen partly as the souls state of nearness
• How shall he obtain these merciful gifts and powers
• List 7 spiritual powers for developing the soul
• 7 things for spirituality and soul development
• How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul
• How do these 7 qualities relate to the 3 faculties of the soul
• What is the relationship of soul and body
• Other metaphors of soul and body
• What is the relationship of soul and mind
• Compare your answers to these question to those given at the beginning of this module
• Assignment Read
• Assignment Read
• Assignment ReadStudy
• Assignment Meditate
• You may proceed to the next module